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Monster High Diaries #5
Cleo De Nile and the Creeperific Mummy Makeover
The fifth chapter book in the popular Monster High Diaries series, featuring Cleo De Nile!
Dear Diary,
Oh my Ra! My mom is coming home! She's been trapped in a tomb this whole time! I hope the tomb was filled with creeperific gems and creepy-cool artifacts. Otherwise I can't imagine how my poor mom coped. I am going to throw the most awesome welcome-back party for her. I know this might be hard to believe, but I'm a little worried about whether the party will be glamorous enough for her. Oh, what am I saying? OF COURSE it will be! I'm just the ghoul for the job!
Royally yours,
Cleo
(c) 2016 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.
Dear Diary,
Oh my Ra! My mom is coming home! She's been trapped in a tomb this whole time! I hope the tomb was filled with creeperific gems and creepy-cool artifacts. Otherwise I can't imagine how my poor mom coped. I am going to throw the most awesome welcome-back party for her. I know this might be hard to believe, but I'm a little worried about whether the party will be glamorous enough for her. Oh, what am I saying? OF COURSE it will be! I'm just the ghoul for the job!
Royally yours,
Cleo
(c) 2016 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2016
About the author
Nessi Monstrata
8 books13 followersNessi Monstrata is the author of the all new Monster
High Diaries series. When she's not writing about the Monster High
ghouls, Nessi enjoys going out to eat with ghoulfriends, shopping (shoes
are her weakness!), and watching romantic comedies on TV.
High Diaries series. When she's not writing about the Monster High
ghouls, Nessi enjoys going out to eat with ghoulfriends, shopping (shoes
are her weakness!), and watching romantic comedies on TV.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 2, 2016
First up, let's get this straight. I'm not crying, you're crying. Yeah, let's go with that. Anyway, one of the big things in MH is the fact that Cleo's mother has been MIA for a good long while. If one goes by the doll diaries, it pre-dates Cleo's mummy status (I believe). That doesn't seem to be quite the case here, but it's been a long time.
Alas, right off the bat on page one, I'm thrown right out of things because when I think Ancient Egypt, I don't think of mother-daughter rom-com movie dates. Not even if you go all MH and call them "boovies" instead. I'm well aware that maybe this will only bother me, but it's also possible someone else will be bugged and we can complain together.
That aside, I really liked the book. Thing is, I'm not sure how much is due to the book itself and how much is due to wanting Cleo to have her mother back and being happy for her. But the book definitely shows that while Cleo is a diva, she's a diva with a heart of gold. There are multiple examples that show Cleo thinking nothing of helping a friend and it's never really out of character and I dig it.
I like Cleo's mom and I wonder how she and Nefera will get along.
I wouldn't say I'd start your MH reading here since I think the payoff for Dedyet de Nile's return is greater if you have more invested in Cleo prior to this, however it's a good little book.
Alas, right off the bat on page one, I'm thrown right out of things because when I think Ancient Egypt, I don't think of mother-daughter rom-com movie dates. Not even if you go all MH and call them "boovies" instead. I'm well aware that maybe this will only bother me, but it's also possible someone else will be bugged and we can complain together.
That aside, I really liked the book. Thing is, I'm not sure how much is due to the book itself and how much is due to wanting Cleo to have her mother back and being happy for her. But the book definitely shows that while Cleo is a diva, she's a diva with a heart of gold. There are multiple examples that show Cleo thinking nothing of helping a friend and it's never really out of character and I dig it.
I like Cleo's mom and I wonder how she and Nefera will get along.
I wouldn't say I'd start your MH reading here since I think the payoff for Dedyet de Nile's return is greater if you have more invested in Cleo prior to this, however it's a good little book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2022
cleo is so cute this made me so happy 🥺❤️
December 29, 2023
ameeeee
August 21, 2016
Cleo's mother has been missing for many years and it turns out she's coming back. Cleo expects her mother to be unchanged, with total emphasis on appearance, fashions and posh parties.
People change over time, though, and Cleo has to deal with the many changes her mother has undergone and, at the same time, figure out what type of welcome-home party would be best with Nefera going for an all-posh party while Cleo starts to think some thing less spectacular could be in order.
It's another really good moralistic book about accepting people as they are and understanding that people can change over time.
People change over time, though, and Cleo has to deal with the many changes her mother has undergone and, at the same time, figure out what type of welcome-home party would be best with Nefera going for an all-posh party while Cleo starts to think some thing less spectacular could be in order.
It's another really good moralistic book about accepting people as they are and understanding that people can change over time.
May 20, 2020
Cleo's mother is coming home!
She couldn't be more excited about it but upon her arrival, Cleo learns this isn't the mother she remembers.
Are they too different to get along now?
Like with the other diaries in this series there's a big focus on family and friends. Learning how to navigate and balance relationships.
Cleo is really known for putting on a confident mask-she is the school's queen bee- but reading this book you really get inside her head and see what goes on in there.
Again, zero complaints about this book!
Edit: actually, I disliked that this marked the end of the OG Monster High
She couldn't be more excited about it but upon her arrival, Cleo learns this isn't the mother she remembers.
Are they too different to get along now?
Like with the other diaries in this series there's a big focus on family and friends. Learning how to navigate and balance relationships.
Cleo is really known for putting on a confident mask-she is the school's queen bee- but reading this book you really get inside her head and see what goes on in there.
Again, zero complaints about this book!
Edit: actually, I disliked that this marked the end of the OG Monster High
January 1, 2017
Cleo and the Creeperific Mummy Makeover (Updated)
It’s dinner at the De Nile mansion. Cleo and Nefera are arguing about their fear-leading rivalry. The argument is over who is the better captain. Nefera attacks Cleo’s friends Frankie and Draculaura, but Cleo fiercely defends them in retaliation. They’re interrupted by the butler who gives Ramses a mysterious letter. As Ramses reads the letter, his expression turns to shock. Ramses announces that the letter is from Cleo’s long-lost mother and she’s coming home.
At school, Cleo shares her news with her friends at Monster High. Everyone is thrilled for her. Especially Frankie and Draculaura. Cleo paints the picture of her mother being this glamorous, elegant, larger-than-life figure. She brags about the lavish, over the top, welcome home ball she and her family plan to throw. Cleon goes on and on about expensive outfits and elaborate decorations.
Draculaura wonders tho whether Cleo’s mother might have changed after being away for so many years. Deuce even suggests her mother might care more about just spending time with her family. Cleo dismisses this idea. Frankie accidentally tears her skirt and is embarrassed. She hides under the table, but Cleo helps her fix it (showing that Cleo has another side0.
Dedyet De Nile arrives. She looks nothing like the glamorous royal mother Cleo remembers. She’s wearing simple clothes and looks disheveled. She even offers to get them snacks instead of being served. She looks comfortable preparing the cheese and grapes herself. Dedyet sits them all down and tells them what happened after being sperated from them. While she hid, she spent her time reading and developed a passion for archeology. She began questioning the privileged lifestyle she had always known and discovered a desire to learn, work, and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Dedyet explains that on her journey back to her family, she joined an archaeological dig. Fascinated by the work, she decided to stay a few extra weeks. However, disaster struck when the tomb where she and her team were working collapsed, trapping them underground. They remained trapped for years and were only recently discovered and rescued.
Cleo is distracted at fearleading practice, but she assures her friends she’s just focused on the new routine and her mom’s welcome home ball. But she can’t help thinking about how much her mom has changed. She admits to her friends that her mom has arrived, but avoids telling them how much she’s changed. Cleo thinks that in time, maybe her mother will go back to being the glamourm royal, mummy she remembers. Cleo proudly tells her friends about her mother working on an arhelogical dig. However, Cleo becomes defensive when they act surprised that she participated in the physical labor. Even tho Cleo is proud of her mom’s accomplishments, she’s uncertain how her friends will react to this new version of her mother.
She worries that, based on how much her mother’s changed, Dedyet will even still want a welcome-home ball. She even wonders if she’ll have something to wear.to such a formal event. Draculaura struggles with the routine, but Cleo refuses to let her apologize. She offers to stay after school and go through the routine with Draculaura step by step until she gets it down.
Cleo has the idea to give her mother a complete makeover and becomes excited on the way home. She runs into Clawdeen, who's stressed about a family obligation. obligations, a difficult design project for her sister Clawdia, schoolwork, and other commitments. Cleo invites her to the ball and request a special, customized, dress, but Clawdeen tells her she won’t have time. Cleo offers Clawdeen one of her old designer dresses to rework into a new dress for Clawdia.
Clawdeen wants to meet Dedyet, but Cleo makes up an excuse and says she’s at the salon. After Clawdeen leaves. Dedyet wants to know why Cleo didn’t introduce her to her friend. Cleo presents her idea about the makeover enthusiastically. However, Dedyet cuts right to the issue and sees that Cleo is ashamed of her because she doesn’t have the right look. Dedyet sets Cleo straight and lets her know she’s happy with who she is now and how she looks.
At first, Cleo is shocked, but she soon recognizes an important truth: her mother does not need to be "fixed." Dedyet has simply grown into a different person. Cleo reassures her mother that she is happy she is home, regardless of how she dresses or styles her hair. Dedyet reminds Cleo that what truly matters is being comfortable with oneself, and Cleo finally begins accepting her mother as she is.
After their talk, Cleo is even more unconvinced that this ball is something Dedyet will want. She argues with Nefera over decorations, and suggests that they do something simpler. Nefera disagrees and says Dedyet is still a De Nile at heart. Still, Cleo fears the ball will make Dedyet feel out of place. Cleo decides to get to know her mother better and finds her in the study reading an archaeology article. She asks if she can read the article. Cleo suggests activities such as them going to a restaurant or the maul. Dedyet just wants to stay home. She says that what she missed most was spending time with her family.
As they talk, Dedyet expresses interest in Cleo’s life at Monster High, her friends, and even possible romantic interests. The next day, Lagoona asks Cleo for advice about Gil. His parents don’t approve of their relationship because Lagonna is a saltwater monster and Gil comes from a freshwater family. Cleo avises Lagoona to focus on what matters most. She and Girl care about each other and appreciate each other's differences. Cleo realizes this is also true for her an her mother. She confides in Lagoona how different her mother is. Lagoona is confused why this was even an issue for her. She reminds Cleo that her friends will like her mother because of who she is, not because of how closely she matches Cleo's image of her.
So, at lunch, Cleo tells them everything about her mother, and holds nothing back. They’re all even more excited to meet Dedyet. Deuce is especially excited to meet another laid-back De-Nile. Cleo tells her friends her concerns about the ball and wanting to throw a party that reflects who Dedyet is now. Only she doesn’t have experience throwing simple parties. She asks for their help. Her friends immediately jump in with ideas, and Cleo is grateful.
Instead of hosting the formal royal ball originally planned, Cleo creates a "Come As You Are" party. Guests are encouraged to dress however they feel most comfortable. While Cleo chooses to wear one of her mother's beautiful old gold gowns, Deuce arrives in shorts. The outdoor party combines the best of both Cleo's and Dedyet's worlds. It includes elegant de Nile touches such as Egyptian food, priceless artifacts, and beautiful decorations, while still maintaining a relaxed atmosphere that reflects Dedyet's new outlook on life. At the party, Cleo finally introduces her friends to her mother. Everyone immediately loves Dedyet s and a tank top.
My Thoughts:
I liked this. I think Cleo's come so far from when we were first introduced to her in the books and webisodes that initially made her out to be a bitchy, royal, pain in the ass. Every time she stepped outside herself to help Frankie, Draculaura, Clawdeen, and Lagoona, I thought WOW! Is the same character? I also found it hard to believe that even dressed down that Dedyeta can be anything in looks other than gorgeous. She probably has that I can pull off a simple tee and jeans and make it look like she belonged on the cover of Royal magazine. The message was perfect as well that people change. But that doesn't mean we have to love them any less. If we love them we shouldn't try to change them but accept the person they've become. Unless the change is for the worst. But people don't stay the same. MAN did I have to learn that the hard way!
RATING: 7 Accepting people's differences from your own, whether they have more or less, is a very crucial lesson to always keep in mind. And sadly people don't always accept you for the person you are and what you do or do not have.
It’s dinner at the De Nile mansion. Cleo and Nefera are arguing about their fear-leading rivalry. The argument is over who is the better captain. Nefera attacks Cleo’s friends Frankie and Draculaura, but Cleo fiercely defends them in retaliation. They’re interrupted by the butler who gives Ramses a mysterious letter. As Ramses reads the letter, his expression turns to shock. Ramses announces that the letter is from Cleo’s long-lost mother and she’s coming home.
At school, Cleo shares her news with her friends at Monster High. Everyone is thrilled for her. Especially Frankie and Draculaura. Cleo paints the picture of her mother being this glamorous, elegant, larger-than-life figure. She brags about the lavish, over the top, welcome home ball she and her family plan to throw. Cleon goes on and on about expensive outfits and elaborate decorations.
Draculaura wonders tho whether Cleo’s mother might have changed after being away for so many years. Deuce even suggests her mother might care more about just spending time with her family. Cleo dismisses this idea. Frankie accidentally tears her skirt and is embarrassed. She hides under the table, but Cleo helps her fix it (showing that Cleo has another side0.
Dedyet De Nile arrives. She looks nothing like the glamorous royal mother Cleo remembers. She’s wearing simple clothes and looks disheveled. She even offers to get them snacks instead of being served. She looks comfortable preparing the cheese and grapes herself. Dedyet sits them all down and tells them what happened after being sperated from them. While she hid, she spent her time reading and developed a passion for archeology. She began questioning the privileged lifestyle she had always known and discovered a desire to learn, work, and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Dedyet explains that on her journey back to her family, she joined an archaeological dig. Fascinated by the work, she decided to stay a few extra weeks. However, disaster struck when the tomb where she and her team were working collapsed, trapping them underground. They remained trapped for years and were only recently discovered and rescued.
Cleo is distracted at fearleading practice, but she assures her friends she’s just focused on the new routine and her mom’s welcome home ball. But she can’t help thinking about how much her mom has changed. She admits to her friends that her mom has arrived, but avoids telling them how much she’s changed. Cleo thinks that in time, maybe her mother will go back to being the glamourm royal, mummy she remembers. Cleo proudly tells her friends about her mother working on an arhelogical dig. However, Cleo becomes defensive when they act surprised that she participated in the physical labor. Even tho Cleo is proud of her mom’s accomplishments, she’s uncertain how her friends will react to this new version of her mother.
She worries that, based on how much her mother’s changed, Dedyet will even still want a welcome-home ball. She even wonders if she’ll have something to wear.to such a formal event. Draculaura struggles with the routine, but Cleo refuses to let her apologize. She offers to stay after school and go through the routine with Draculaura step by step until she gets it down.
Cleo has the idea to give her mother a complete makeover and becomes excited on the way home. She runs into Clawdeen, who's stressed about a family obligation. obligations, a difficult design project for her sister Clawdia, schoolwork, and other commitments. Cleo invites her to the ball and request a special, customized, dress, but Clawdeen tells her she won’t have time. Cleo offers Clawdeen one of her old designer dresses to rework into a new dress for Clawdia.
Clawdeen wants to meet Dedyet, but Cleo makes up an excuse and says she’s at the salon. After Clawdeen leaves. Dedyet wants to know why Cleo didn’t introduce her to her friend. Cleo presents her idea about the makeover enthusiastically. However, Dedyet cuts right to the issue and sees that Cleo is ashamed of her because she doesn’t have the right look. Dedyet sets Cleo straight and lets her know she’s happy with who she is now and how she looks.
At first, Cleo is shocked, but she soon recognizes an important truth: her mother does not need to be "fixed." Dedyet has simply grown into a different person. Cleo reassures her mother that she is happy she is home, regardless of how she dresses or styles her hair. Dedyet reminds Cleo that what truly matters is being comfortable with oneself, and Cleo finally begins accepting her mother as she is.
After their talk, Cleo is even more unconvinced that this ball is something Dedyet will want. She argues with Nefera over decorations, and suggests that they do something simpler. Nefera disagrees and says Dedyet is still a De Nile at heart. Still, Cleo fears the ball will make Dedyet feel out of place. Cleo decides to get to know her mother better and finds her in the study reading an archaeology article. She asks if she can read the article. Cleo suggests activities such as them going to a restaurant or the maul. Dedyet just wants to stay home. She says that what she missed most was spending time with her family.
As they talk, Dedyet expresses interest in Cleo’s life at Monster High, her friends, and even possible romantic interests. The next day, Lagoona asks Cleo for advice about Gil. His parents don’t approve of their relationship because Lagonna is a saltwater monster and Gil comes from a freshwater family. Cleo avises Lagoona to focus on what matters most. She and Girl care about each other and appreciate each other's differences. Cleo realizes this is also true for her an her mother. She confides in Lagoona how different her mother is. Lagoona is confused why this was even an issue for her. She reminds Cleo that her friends will like her mother because of who she is, not because of how closely she matches Cleo's image of her.
So, at lunch, Cleo tells them everything about her mother, and holds nothing back. They’re all even more excited to meet Dedyet. Deuce is especially excited to meet another laid-back De-Nile. Cleo tells her friends her concerns about the ball and wanting to throw a party that reflects who Dedyet is now. Only she doesn’t have experience throwing simple parties. She asks for their help. Her friends immediately jump in with ideas, and Cleo is grateful.
Instead of hosting the formal royal ball originally planned, Cleo creates a "Come As You Are" party. Guests are encouraged to dress however they feel most comfortable. While Cleo chooses to wear one of her mother's beautiful old gold gowns, Deuce arrives in shorts. The outdoor party combines the best of both Cleo's and Dedyet's worlds. It includes elegant de Nile touches such as Egyptian food, priceless artifacts, and beautiful decorations, while still maintaining a relaxed atmosphere that reflects Dedyet's new outlook on life. At the party, Cleo finally introduces her friends to her mother. Everyone immediately loves Dedyet s and a tank top.
My Thoughts:
I liked this. I think Cleo's come so far from when we were first introduced to her in the books and webisodes that initially made her out to be a bitchy, royal, pain in the ass. Every time she stepped outside herself to help Frankie, Draculaura, Clawdeen, and Lagoona, I thought WOW! Is the same character? I also found it hard to believe that even dressed down that Dedyeta can be anything in looks other than gorgeous. She probably has that I can pull off a simple tee and jeans and make it look like she belonged on the cover of Royal magazine. The message was perfect as well that people change. But that doesn't mean we have to love them any less. If we love them we shouldn't try to change them but accept the person they've become. Unless the change is for the worst. But people don't stay the same. MAN did I have to learn that the hard way!
RATING: 7 Accepting people's differences from your own, whether they have more or less, is a very crucial lesson to always keep in mind. And sadly people don't always accept you for the person you are and what you do or do not have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2024
Cleo's character was always interesting to me in the movies, but I also always wanted more of her backstory from the doll diaries, and thankfully this book fulfills both of these and more.
We get a look into how Cleo's relationship with her mother, as well as her own inner thoughts in regards to her friends and expectations from her family, and their dislike of Deuce. We also get to see Cleo's nice side, which was often neglected in most MH G1 media.
It's a quick read, and I highly recommend it to any MH fan, especially Cleo fans.
We get a look into how Cleo's relationship with her mother, as well as her own inner thoughts in regards to her friends and expectations from her family, and their dislike of Deuce. We also get to see Cleo's nice side, which was often neglected in most MH G1 media.
It's a quick read, and I highly recommend it to any MH fan, especially Cleo fans.
July 21, 2022
Pensavo meglio. Nulla di eccezionale, se paragonato al film I 13 Desideri. Cleo è insopportabile come poche, infatti ho sempre preferito Nefera, ma come sempre, non le danno mai lo spazio che merita.
Carino il messaggio finale, ma si vede che è troppo "americano". Una stellina, salvo solo la copertina con Nefera. Nessuna immagine della madre delle ragazze, nulla di nulla.
Carino il messaggio finale, ma si vede che è troppo "americano". Una stellina, salvo solo la copertina con Nefera. Nessuna immagine della madre delle ragazze, nulla di nulla.
April 20, 2023
I am not the intended audience for these books but I can't resist a book w/ a great cover and the Monster High covers intrigue me. This is an o.k. book for the right age group with a good message. Primary message being sometimes people change and that's ok. Our likes, world views, priorities can change over time but the heart stays the same and we should love the person like always.
April 11, 2022
Lovely
Short story for kids, such a quick and fun read!!
I've always loved monster high and reading this book made me connect with my inner child. Brought so many good memories and I had a lovely time reading about the characters I once loved
Short story for kids, such a quick and fun read!!
I've always loved monster high and reading this book made me connect with my inner child. Brought so many good memories and I had a lovely time reading about the characters I once loved
May 28, 2023
Cleo my beloved, my sweetheart i love you so much <3
August 14, 2026
this made me love cleo a lot
April 23, 2018
Cleo is missing her mother. She hasn't seen her sense before the Boo World. They were attacked by intruders, and they g cave years ot separated. Later the next day they find a letter from her mother. Her mother was in the home of the De Niles for years then she found a way out. When she went to look for her family she found explores that asked her to go on a adventure with them. When they went into the tomb the cave caved in, and they were stuck. When people went to explore that cave years later they found Cleo's mother. Now she coming home. Now when Cleo's mother comes home she'll go on an adventure to find what truly matters about a person.
May 24, 2019
Well, after two reasonable two good books in this new series... I found one bad one. This one just focused too much on the message. While it is an important message it shouldn't take over the story and feel like the book is just a promotional thing for it. In this one the message is that one should take the other as they are, even if they are changed like Cleo's mum. Inside she is still the same mum, she just has different interests, and you should be happy she is back. Not just Cleo's mom and her change and how we should accept her pops up plenty, but also from friends and other monsters. Cleo should accept Deuce, Lagoona and her boyfriend are good together, and so on. At the end everyone just tells Cleo how awesome she is, which is sweet, but again pushes that message some more. Instead of thinking how cool it was I was just rolling my eyes as it felt way too forced. Which is a shame. I still have one more book of this series on my Kindle, and I will give it a shot, hopefully it is good again.
January 1, 2025
Not exactly my cup of tea. Felt like it followed a Shimmer and Shine format.
July 11, 2023
This is my favorite book of this little diary series.
First off, this book really understands late-series redeemed Cleo! Right from the get-go in this book, you see her heart of gold and her loyalty for her friends. In so many of the other MH books, Cleo is treated as a very boring and cliché mean girl.
Unlike the parents in the other diaries books, here Cleo’s mom has a rather large role. We get to know her quite a bit, and she’s now my favorite parent in the series by far.
And, mild spoilers, but Dedyet wears wrinkled casual clothes, and even no makeup! She likes and prefers this, and by the end of the book everyone respects this. I thought it was really nice to see a character like that here, especially when Monster High has always been such a fashion series, trying to make everyone as girly and glam as can be. As someone who loves Monster High but isn’t into fashion itself, finally seeing a character “like me” felt really nice, and I hope it did the same for others too.
First off, this book really understands late-series redeemed Cleo! Right from the get-go in this book, you see her heart of gold and her loyalty for her friends. In so many of the other MH books, Cleo is treated as a very boring and cliché mean girl.
Unlike the parents in the other diaries books, here Cleo’s mom has a rather large role. We get to know her quite a bit, and she’s now my favorite parent in the series by far.
And, mild spoilers, but Dedyet wears wrinkled casual clothes, and even no makeup! She likes and prefers this, and by the end of the book everyone respects this. I thought it was really nice to see a character like that here, especially when Monster High has always been such a fashion series, trying to make everyone as girly and glam as can be. As someone who loves Monster High but isn’t into fashion itself, finally seeing a character “like me” felt really nice, and I hope it did the same for others too.
October 19, 2016
It is a great book to read
December 30, 2016
A fun light read but with a message about acceptance.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews